Porto & the North - Escape from reality...

Northern Portugal is probably Portugal's best kept secret and is wonderfully untouched and unspoilt as it is very much unknown to the majority of Portugal's visitors - it's the perfect destination for the inquisitive. It stretches from just south of Porto to beyond the Viana do Castelo district, below the Spanish border, and north east to Braganca. The north encapsulates the Minho, Douro and Tras-os-Montes districts and all their beauty and the river Douro literally crosses the north all the way up to the Tras-os-Montes district.The beautiful city of Porto is situated at the mouth of the river Douro, if you take a boat trip up the river you will find yourself surrounded by the most stunning scenic views. Filled with waterfalls, rivers, luscious mountains, pretty ancient villages, quintas (manor houses) and exquisite and most fertile green valleys - you will literally be swept away by the peace and tranquility of this region and its natural, rural beauty. So rural, in fact, you may even come across an ox-drawn cart or two. As a main stockist of rich wine, the northern landscape is also filled with glorious vineyards and is famed for its Mateus wine as well as being the original place to have produced the 'vinho verde' (young wine) in the Minho province.

The north's natural parks dotted across the region won't disapoint you either. If you enjoy walking, mountain-trekking, cycling or fishing the ravishing Peneda-Geres, Douro, Montezinho and Alvão natural parks are well worth the visit. The region's capital and Portugal's second largest city is Porto (Oporto). It's a magnificent riverside cosmopolitan city, at the same time overflowing with historical buildings and full of life. It is filled with wonderful coloured houses rising up from the river Douro and up through its winding streets, finally sitting on a hillside overlooking the south bank where Vila Nova de Gaia sits. There, you will find Port and wine cellars, for which Porto is recognised worldwide. If you fancy a free tasting of a fine port, take a guided tour around one of the wineries (adegas) in Vila Nova de Gaia. Heading north from Porto, lies the magnificent and profoundly medieval historic Guimaraes where Portugal was originally proclaimed during the 12th century, and where its first king was born, King Dom Afonso Henriques. From Guimaraes head further northwest to Braga. A splendid city full of historical and religious beauties with over 300 churches, cathedrals, monasteries, the most poignant being the Bom Jesus Sanctuary, an important pilgrimage shrine. Head even further northwest onto Viana do Castelo where the the Sanctuary of Santa Lucia stands proudly overlooking the river Lima, the city and the ocean. Heading further north east you will come across Braganca, a majestic city showing off its medieval castle, churches and cathedrals dating back to the 16th century with great pride.The northern coastline is known as the Costa Verde (green coast) - if you follow it north you will come across some of Portugal's most beautiful resorts and beaches. The north also holds many local festivals throughout the year where you can taste the local delicacies as well as treat yourself to wondeful handicrafts from leather goods to the finest embroidery.If you are searching to get away from it all take the A1 from Lisbon to Porto, Portugal's longest motorway and then the A3 leads onto Braga and further north - this is the most perfect place to nourish the soul.